I recently read the Computerworld blog entry from 8/18/2005 by Curt Monash where he had some harsh words for a fellow ITToolbox blogger, Alf Pedersen. Although I didn't really follow the technical argument that either side made, due to my lack of knowledge on the subject, something Mr. Monash said got me thinking. It was basically the following: "Unlike Computerworld, IT Toolbox seems to let anybody who wants to blog for them do so without screening for objectivity, reasoning ability, etc." Please be aware that this quote is not an exact quote as the original blog entry was later edited either by Mr. Monash or Computerworld. I don't have any quarrel with Mr. Monash or Computerworld. Nor do I want to restart an argument, but I do want to address the question of "Will ITToolbox just let anyone write for them?", and by asking this question do we assume that ITToolbox may not be relevant? I know that, to some, asking this question in such a way may be upsetting, but to me the answer is such an overwhelming "yes it is relevant" that I don't fear asking the question. The fact that Mr. Monash made the statement like he did does hint at some arrogance. I don't know him so I will assume that he isn't. I think that maybe he was just asking a valid question though. Can just anybody write for ITToolbox? ITToolbox isn't incredibly picky. There aren't any rigorous standards to become a blogger for them. I think this has a great deal to do with their relevance. Mr. Monash's blogs for Computerworld and had his 8/18/05 blog entry was edited. I have never had a blog entry edited by ITToolbox and I don't think I every will. It is an open forum. A chance to be heard whether you are right, wrong or just plain uninformed. ITToolbox did discover my qualifications and did require that I prove that I had the ability to write an intelligible blog. The more importantly made sure that I would be relevant to the ITToolbox audience. Go to Google and search for ITToolbox. You'll get a huge number of hits that are not entries on the ITToolbox site. ITToolbox is being talked about and more importantly referenced as a reliable source just like Computerworld. ITToolBox offers not only blogs, but also a vast amount of other offerings to its audience. I have to admit that I have taken ITToolbox for granted, but I won't in the future. His question also encourages me to be more active in the blog space. We need people who can be relevant to the ITToolbox audience. People who can tell about their experiences and share their knowledge. People who are willing to saying things incorrectly so that they can be properly corrected and helped to hone their skills. ITToolbox is about community, and community is sometimes difficult. It's hard to be corrected and it's sometimes too easy to be harsh, but we must keep the debate going strong. No one has all of the answers even if they think they do! Thanks Mr. Monash - you opened my eyes!